The Functional State of Meibomian Glands and Tear Production in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are objects of special medical attention due to the fact that the new life — the life of her child — depends on the health  and quality of life of the future mother. Pregnancy is a physiological  load. It makes temporary changes in the functional state of all  organs and systems, including the organ of vision. This study was  aimed at identifying risk factors for the occurrence of disturbances in the tear-producing system — dysfunction of the Meibomian glands  and/or dry eye syndrome (SSH), as well as to develop recommendations for compensating of disturbance. The  study showed that physiological pregnancy does not affect to the  condition of the ocular surface in case of absence of dry eye  syndrome manifestations and Meibomian gland dysfunction before  pregnancy. However, there is a predisposition for the development of the symptom complex of dry eye syndrome — a reliable decrease  Schirmer test indicators of the test of in the group of pregnant  women, it requires preventive control, — reduction in the mode of  wearing contact lenses, which are a risk factor for the development  of dry eye syndrome. It was determined that in vitro fertilization  (IVF) affects to the condition of the ocular surface, namely, on the  occurrence of dysfunction of Meibomian glands and dry eye  syndrome, and is accompanied by corresponding complaints. There  is a direct correlation between the duration of gestation, age  indicators, the severity of complaints and their relationship to  pregnancy. A direct was established, with a noticeable tightness of  communication, between taking thyrotrophic drugs and complaints  on dryness and discomfort. Therefore, special attention should be  given to pregnant patients taking thyrotrophic medications and using contact lenses, since both of these factors provoke the development  of the dry eye symptom complex. Patients with IVF pregnancy and  accompanied by taking thyrotrophic drugs are recommended to limit  the mode of wearing contact lenses, in case of complaints on  dryness, discomfort, it is necessary to conduct therapeutic and  prophylactic effects in the form of non-conserved tear-replacement  therapy and eyelid hygiene. Timely diagnosis and subsequent  prevention of Meibomian glands and dry eye syndrome in pregnant  women will improve the quality of life of this patients group and  prevent the development of complications related to this condition.